Political analyst Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the only way to ascertain BN’s true strength is through the upcoming Sungai Besar and Kuala Kangsar by-elections.

The Universiti Malaya lecturer said this was because the real reason behind the coalition’s success in Sarawak was the state’s Chief Minister Adenan Satem’s friendly demeanour and concern over matters that affected the people there. Adenan was also alert about solving issues affecting the people.

“BN’s victory there was more due to the Adenan factor and his traits. Based on interviews with the Chinese in Sarawak, they too preferred Adenan.

“If it wasn’t for Adenan, the tsunami would not have happened,” he told reporters after the Literature and Political Forum Seminar at Dewan Semarak, Universiti Malaya, here today,

Dr Awang Azman cautioned BN to choose the right candidate for the by-elections.

He gave the example of Sungai Besar, where BN had used the Javanese political penchant for unity for its past success.

“The Javanese political culture is still relevant for this Sungai Besar by-election.

“The voters there practise an attitude of obedience to their leaders. They are hardworking, united and do not resort to sabotage.”

However, that same advantage could be used by the Opposition, since PAS also has the Javanese spirit.

Dr Awang Azman said credible leaders with a clean image could win in the by-elections.

“Problematic local and national issues need to be resolved. If these can be handled, the public will feel better.”

By-elections are expected in the Kuala Kangsar and Sungai Besar constituencies following the deaths of its MPs, Mohammad Khair-il Anuar Wan Ahmad and Noriah Kasnon, respectively in a helicopter crash in Sarawak last week.

The Election Commission (EC) will announce the dates for the by-elections on May 13.